Chelsea’s two options for new stadium made clear as Clearlake face major Stamford Bridge decision

Chelsea have reportedly narrowed down their options surrounding the development of a new stadium, with majority owners Clearlake Capital weighing up two potential plans.

Since 1877, the Blues have called Stamford Bridge their home, with the West London venue holding around 41,000 spectators in its current form.

For a club of Chelsea's size and stature in the world of football, their stadium is significantly smaller than comparable rivals such as Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur.

As a result, the West Londoners' matchday revenue potential is severely limited, risking the ability of the club to compete with other elite teams financially in the future.

Last time out at Stamford Bridge, just over 40,000 fans were in attendance as Hull City snatched a point against Xabi Alonso's men.

After the extended September/October international break, the Blues return to Stamford Bridge on October 10, facing Bournemouth in the Premier League.

Chelsea's two options amid Stamford Bridge struggles

According to the Daily Mail, Chelsea's majority owners Clearlake Capital have narrowed down the options regarding the future of the club's sporting home.

The report claims that Clearlake have ruled out a stand-by-stand redevelopment of the West London venue which would allow the Blues to play matches at the ground throughout the process.

It is understood that Chelsea are seriously considering a complete demolition and rebuild of Stamford Bridge, with that particular option supposedly set to take around eight years.

This would result in the two-time Champions League winners playing their home matches at a temporary venue for the best part of a decade, with Twickenham and Wembley previously highlighted as potential destinations.

The alternative option for Chelsea involves building a fresh 60,000-seater stadium from scratch at Earl's Court, which lies just a mile from Stamford Bridge, however, the current master plans for the site do not include a dedicated space for a new ground.

Chelsea Pitch Owners complicate matters further

Whether Chelsea decide to demolish Stamford Bridge or move to a new site, the decision will need to be approved by Chelsea Pitch Owners (CPO), an important supporters organisation.

CPO owns the freehold of current stadium, as well as the pitch, turnstiles and Chelsea Football Club naming rights. 

The existence of CPO means that even more stars will need to align in order for Clearlake to execute their plan for a new home for the Blues.

FGG says: Slow Chelsea progress

In the middle of a built-up area and at the mercy at CPO, Stamford Bridge in its current form is turning out to be quite the immovable object over the past decade.

Whilst the snail's pace of progress will frustrate supporters, it is a positive sign that Clearlake Capital have whittled the potential options down to two.